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Patchwork Plus Quilt & Yarn Shop in Marcellus is a featured shop in the Spring 2009 issue of Quilt Sampler, which goes on sale May 12, 2009. The magazine, published by Better Homes and Gardens, profiles 10 shops across the United States and Canada in each of its semi-annual issues.

“We were incredibly thrilled to learn of our selection,” says Judi West, co-owner, with her husband, Tom, of Patchwork Plus. A crew from the magazine visited the shop for two days in mid-October—taking photos, conducting interviews, and experiencing the shop’s ambiance.

To be considered for the honor, quilt shops submit an application with details on their history, business promotions, charitable work, teaching schedules and design philosophies. The selection is made by a panel of quilt experts led by Jennifer Keltner, group editor of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.

“Quilt makers from all over the world eagerly await these issues,” says Keltner. “Once the magazine is in their hands, quilters turn every page to see the newest fabrics and patterns from each shop.”

The multi-page profiles include photos of each featured shop and its staff; details on what makes it unique; photos of, and a full-sized pattern for, an original quilt designed for the magazine; and a listing of area hot spots.

The quilt submitted by Patchwork Plus, “Lady of the Lake Baskets,” was designed by Skaneateles Falls resident Judy Sheridan and Skaneateles resident Patty Elkovitch. A fabric kit will be sold on the Patchwork Plus website, http://www.patchworkplusquiltshop.com, this spring.

Inclusion in the magazine proves a boon for business: According to Better Homes and Gardens, chosen shops are inundated with visitors and with requests for the shop’s quilt patterns and fabrics. Quilters are known to try to visit all 10 shops in each issue, getting the signature of each shop owner in their copy of the magazine.

Patchwork Plus, established in 1987, is the result of two friends’ genuine love for quilting and the dream to bring a better selection of affordable fabrics to their quilting friends. “Our wonderful customers, who come from all over the world, have made us into the store we are today,” says Judi West. “I can’t thank them enough.”

The shop’s 5,000-square-foot facility, on Cherry Valley Turnpike (Route 20), has more than 7,500 bolts of fabric, two large classrooms and a fireplace, and is bathed in natural light. Patchwork Plus also is a Gold Standard dealer of Bernina sewing machines and offers instructional classes year-round.